Brief Summary

Traditionally the HTTP protocol only allows one request/response per TCP connection. Asynchronous JavaScript and XML (AJAX) allowed clients to send and receive data asynchronously (in the background without a page refresh) to the server, however, AJAX requires the client to initiate the requests and wait for the server responses (half-duplex). HTML5 WebSockets allow the client/server to create a 'full-duplex' (two-way) communication channels, allowing the client and server to truly communicate asynchronously. WebSockets conduct their initial 'upgrade' handshake over HTTP and from then on all communication is carried out over TCP channels by use of frames.

Description of the Issue

Origin

It is the server’s responsibility to verify the Origin header in the initial HTTP WebSocket handshake. If the server does not validate the origin header in the initial WebSocket handshake the WebSocket server may accept connections from any origin. This could allow attackers to communicate with the WebSocket server cross-domain allowing for Top 10 2013-A8-Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF) type issues.

Confidentiality and Integrity

WebSockets can be used over unencrypted TCP or over encrypted TLS. To use unencrypted WebSockets the ws:// URI scheme is used (default port 80), to use encrypted (TLS) WebSockets the wss:// URI scheme is used (default port 443). Look out for Top 10 2013-A6-Sensitive Data Exposure type issues.

Using a WebSocket client (one can be found in the Tools section below) attempt to connect to the remote WebSocket server. If a connection is established the server may not be checking the origin header of the WebSocket handshake.

3. Confidentiality and Integrity.

Check that the WebSocket connection is using SSL to transport sensitive information (wss://).

Example 1

Once we have identified that the application is using WebSockets (as described above) we can use the OWASP Zed Attack Proxy (ZAP) to intercept the WebSocket request and responses. ZAP can then be used to replay and fuzz the WebSocket request/responses.

Example 2

Using a WebSocket client (one can be found in the Tools section below) attempt to connect to the remote WebSocket server. If the connection is allowed the WebSocket server may not be checking the WebSocket handshake's origin header. Attempt to replay requests previously intercepted to verify that cross-domain WebSocket communication is possible.

Gray Box testing

Gray box testing is similar to Black box testing. In gray box testing the pen-tester partial knowledge of the application. The only difference here is that you may have API documentation for the application being tested which includes the expected WebSocket request and responses.

ZAP is an easy to use integrated penetration testing tool for finding vulnerabilities in web applications. It is designed to be used by people with a wide range of security experience and as such is ideal for developers and functional testers who are new to penetration testing. ZAP provides automated scanners as well as a set of tools that allow you to find security vulnerabilities manually.